Botanical Bliss

Sliquid Organics Botanically Infused Gel is a lubricant designed by women specifically for women -- especially women with allergies and other sensitivities. Thus, the best use for this product is for vaginal intercourse and for vaginal masturbation.

Though this gel is certainly thick and rich enough to safely and comfortably ease anal plug or anal probe insertion, I personally cannot attest to its effectiveness in facilitating comfortable anal intercourse since my husband and I have not yet engaged in it. Easing in a plug or probe is one thing, but the friction produced by thrusting is quite another, as friction can quickly deplete the moisture content of a water-based lube. The moisture from the natural lubrication produced by mucous membranes can aid in renewing the gliding sensation of a water-based lube, but the vagina produces much more natural lubrication than the anal canal (which only produces a small amount of mucous). Therefore, I believe this product would be less effective used anally than it is used vaginally.

I draw this conclusion based upon the observation that most of the water-based anal lubes that reviewers have described as effective list glycerin as an ingredient. Since glycerin is a humectant, as well as a viscosity decreasing agent, I can see how it would help a water-based lube stay slick during thrusting in an environment with minimal natural lubrication. However, many women are sensitive to glycerin-induced vaginal yeast infections -- and that is why glycerin is absent from this product's ingredient list.

For vaginal masturbation purposes, this product will work safely and wonderfully with any type of material -- even with silicone.

(Note: Glycerin is spelled glycerine when it is denoted as an active ingredient, but both spellings indicate the same chemical.)

I absolutely love the texture of this lube. One other reviewer described the feel of this gel as "decadent" and I simply cannot think of a better adjective to subjectively describe my experience with it.

I can objectively describe it as clear, thick, slick, and rich and explain how it reminds me of my own natural lubrication during certain stages of my monthly cycle, when the discharge is naturally thicker and "stringier" -- though this lube is much less "elastic" than a woman's natural lubrication can be during her cycle when her discharge thickens.

A small amount dispensed upon my fingertip mounds up into a clear, viscous drop. Turning my finger over, it begins to form a partially dangling droplet that clings to my finger for almost a full minute before part of it drips. Pressing my finger to my thumb and then pulling them apart, the lube sticks together to form a "string" until my thumb and finger are almost an inch apart (though I later had a difficult time capturing this on camera with an impatient husband who was "modeling" this!).



Until the product dries on the skin, it is definitely noticeable, though I hesitate to describe the sensation as "sticky." Once the gel dries, however, it does not feel sticky or greasy in the slightest. It reminds me very much of the way an aloe vera gel feels after being applied to the skin.

This gel has a very subtle, natural scent that is reminiscent of aloe vera and other botanicals -- though, in order to smell it, I found it necessary to hold my nose directly to the open bottle or to hold my finger with the applied product directly up to my nose .

The taste, while not bitter, is certainly not the most pleasant -- and definitely does not inspire oral explorations.

We love how thick and rich this lube is -- particularly how these qualities ensure that it remains on the surface to which we apply it without dripping off, be it skin, silicone, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, TPE, or elastomer. Though these are the only types of materials we currently have in our toy box, Sliquid Organics Gel is safe to use on all materials, including latex and rubber.

This gel also has a very soothing effect on the tender mucous membranes of the genitalia. It is very gentle and, despite having sensitive skin, I have never experienced any type of burning.

During partner sex lasting 30 minutes or longer, we have found that we sometimes need to reapply this product. I tend to be a bit dryer during certain stages of my cycle and I need a generous amount of lube at those times. So, whether or not we do need reapplication depends a great deal upon the time of month that we are using it.

But whether or not we do find reapplication necessary, this gel performs admirably as a lubricant for vaginal sex over a decently long period of time -- and it also works just as well for masturbation with toys. It does not, on the other hand, perform fantastically as a lubricant for hand jobs. It starts out well, but without the natural renewal of moisture provided by vaginal membranes, this product does inevitably dry up after a few minutes and requires either frequent reapplication or water to "renew" it.

I usually apply a bit more than a nickel-sized amount each time I apply it. Using this product between one to four times daily (counting reapplications), the 8.5 ounce bottle typically lasts us for approximately six weeks. But it would last even longer if you chose to "renew" the product by adding water, rather than reapplying fresh product. However, in my opinion, it is not nearly as luxuriantly lubricating upon "renewal" as it is when applying fresh product. I apply this lube quite liberally because I crave its botanically calming and refreshing sensation, as well as its balm-like consistency.

Sliquid Organics Gel comes in an attractive, heavy-duty, translucent, deep brown plastic bottle. It has a classy ivory label featuring Sliquid's logo: a plum-colored lotus with the center of the bloom and the stem formed by the biological symbol that signifies females. The plum and black lettering is tastefully done, so this bottle would not stand out amongst other bottles on your vanity. However, if anyone were to take an interest in reading the front of the bottle (which says "Sliquid Organics Botanically Infused glycerine & paraben free natural lubricating gel"), they will, most likely, know what it is.

The bottle does not come with any outer packaging, save for a layer of plastic wrap. To prevent seepage during shipping (and to ensure no product tampering), there is a thin, aluminum-lined Styrofoam safety seal under the cap, which you will need to remove before the first use. The cap features a click-top lid and it works well to dispense the lubricant, even when fumbling with it single-handedly. Though I prefer pumps, I find that it is still very easy to control the amount of gel dispensed.

I am now on my third bottle of this lubricant and I have never experienced any problems with seepage or rings forming on the surface of my nightstand. Packed upright in an overnight bag, the bottle should be suitable for traveling (though if flying, you will need to dispense a smaller amount in a different container to meet airline regulations). As when traveling with any gel or liquid product, it would be wise to enclose the bottle inside a plastic Ziploc bag to guard against any accidental spills dripping onto clothing or other items.

The ingredients in Sliquid Organics Botanically Infused Gel are all-natural and many are certified organic*.

List of Ingredients and Their Likely Purpose in This Product:

Purified Water: The purpose of water in personal care products is primarily that of a solvent to dissolve ingredients that deliver benefits to the skin. It is also used to formulate emulsions of water and oil components which, combined together, create creams and lotions. Only toxin-, pollutant-, and microbe-free water is used in the manufacturing of personal care products.

Plant Cellulose (from Cotton): A natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants, cellulose is used to increase the thickness and "body" of a lubricant. It also serves as a slip modifier that facilitates the smooth and easy flow of substances past each other without them undergoing chemical reactions. I believe this is the ingredient that accounts for the lusciously thick and slippery consistency of this lube.

Aloe Barbadensis*: This natural gel, derived from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis plant, is used in personal care products for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and fungicidal properties. It has also been proven effective as a treatment for wounds and infections, as a skin moisturizer, and as a soother. Though moderate doses are linked to cancer and to reproductive/developmental problems, it has been determined to be safe for use in personal care products at low concentrations.

Natural Tocopherols (Vitamin E): Derived from vegetable oil, this fat-soluble vitamin is used as a natural antioxidant in personal care products. Though studies have indicated that it is a human skin toxicant and an organ system toxin at moderate to high concentration levels, when used in lower concentrations, it has been declared safe for personal care products and for food items.

Cyamopsis (Guar Conditioners): Cyamopsis aids the movement of cellulose fibers within the structure of plants. This non-toxic, natural additive has an incredibly slippery feel, which is most likely why it is included in this organic lubricant.

Extracts of Hibiscus*: Another plant-derived ingredient that shares the same properties as Aloe barbadensis, hibiscus extract is known to be a healer, moisturizer, and soother.

Flax*: This is a natural tocopherol (see above).

Green Tea* & Sunflower Seed*: These two ingredients are used as an anti-inflammatory and as a cleaning/calming tonic, respectively.

Citric Acid (Citric Fruits): A natural antiseptic and astringent cleanser, this ingredient is used as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth in the product.

Phenoxyethanol (Rose ether): Another anti-microbial agent, phenoxyethanol prevents the growth of fungi and serves as a preservative.


*Certified Organic

References: You might find these websites helpful in researching ingredient safety.

CosmeticsInfo.org
Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
3Dchem.com

Below are some ingredients that you may choose to avoid in shopping for lubricants and other personal care products.

Ingredients That This Product Was Specifically Formulated NOT to Contain:

Glycerine (also known as glycerol): A sugar alcohol that is a component of all animal and vegetable fats/oils (and which can also be synthesized), glycerine is used in personal care products as a humectant and protectant skin conditioner, as well as to decrease viscosity.

Though (unfortunately) there have been no studies to support the claim, glycerine is believed to provoke yeast infections in women who are prone to them. This makes sense, given that yeast -- which are part of the body's natural flora -- are present in the vagina and feed off of sugar.

Parabens: This is a group of ingredients that has commonly been used for decades in food, personal care items, and cosmetics as preservatives. Included in this group are butyl-, ethyl-, isobutyl-, isopropyl-, methyl-, and propylparaben. In addition to preserving products, these ingredients also help to stymie fungal and bacterial growth.

Despite the many articles and Internet rumors in recent years which have implied that parabens can cause breast cancer by behaving like estrogen (an endocrine hormone which is present in greater quantities in females), parabens have been demonstrated to be safe to the consumer in the dosage amounts found in products. In the studies from which the rumors were founded, animals were dosed with extremely large quantities of parabens -- dosages which were far greater than that to which one would be exposed, even with repeated use of a paraben-containing product under actual conditions of use. Additionally, parabens are approximately 100,000 weaker than the estrogen that occurs naturally in the human body and are thus much too weak to impact humans.

However, while parabens are not considered a cancer risk, there is strong evidence that they are skin allergens -- and they can sting and burn those with sensitivities to this group of ingredients.

Propylene glycol (also known as 1,2-propanediol): This organic alcohol is a natural component of all animal and vegetable fats/oils (and it can also be synthesized); but there are indications that it can be slightly toxic. In personal care products, it is used as a penetration enhancer by altering the structure of the skin to allow deeper penetration of other chemicals, as a product stabilizer, and as a humectant skin conditioner. Some studies have indicated that propylene glycol can provoke human skin irritation and sensitization in concentrations as low as 2% in patients with diseased skin. However, since the industry review panel has approved a concentration of up to 50% in cosmetics and personal care products, this ingredient is often found in concentrations much greater than 2% in products available to the consumer. Additionally, studies have shown that propylene glycol can cause convulsions, surface electroencephalograpic (EEG) changes of the brain, and mutations which could lead to cancer. Animal studies have also demonstrated effects on the kidneys at very low doses.

Classified as a potential allergen, if you experience a burning sensation upon application of a lube of which propylene glycol is a component, it may possibly be the offending culprit.

As previously mentioned, I am currently on my third bottle of Sliquid Organics Botanically Infused Gel. What I didn't mention was that all three of those bottles have been the larger 8.5 ounce bottles. So I have had a lot of experience with this lube and I keep returning to it. I think that alone says a lot about my satisfaction with this product.

Despite scrupulous hygiene, I tend to be extremely vulnerable to both Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and to yeast infections, so finding a lube that is glycerin and allergen-free is of paramount importance to me. The number of infections I have had have been greatly reduced since switching to this lube several months ago.

In these past several months, my husband and I have used this product as our general purpose go-to lube. Due to our annoyance about its performance during hand jobs, we recently purchased a fantastic silicone lube that performs amazingly in this capacity. Since we are still in our honeymoon phase experimenting with our new silicone lube, we are also currently using it for partner sex when we are not incorporating any of our silicone toys into our play (such as our We-Vibe II or vibrating silicone cock ring), since silicone lubes can damage silicone toys. I suspect that once the newness of our silicone lube wears off, we will go back to using our Sliquid Organics gel during partner sex without toys, trading off between it and our other new favorite.

But for vaginal masturbation sessions or for intercourse while using silicone toys, this is still -- hands down -- our favored lube. And when I begin to run low on my current bottle of this pure, soothing botanical bliss, I will be ordering another. I very highly recommend this product.